Gorillaz bring their Deltron 3030 side project to Pechanga Arena on Sunday, while Rigoletto opens Friday night at the Civic Theatre, so the weekend starts in opera and ends in genre-hopping arena pop. The Aquabats and Rocket From The Crypt add a stubbornly local-feeling punk streak in the middle.
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Gorillaz & Deltron 3030 at Pechanga Arena
Sun, Oct 25, 7:30 PM · Pechanga Arena – San Diego · from $129
Gorillaz are the virtual-band project fronted by Damon Albarn, and Deltron 3030 is the hip-hop collaboration built around Del the Funky Homosapien. The arena setting suits a show with this much visual ambition. Expect a big, layered set that moves between alternative rock and hip-hop.
Madeon at The Rady Shell
Fri, Oct 23, 7:00 PM · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · from $56
Madeon is a French electronic producer known for melodic, high-energy sets. The Rady Shell’s open-air bowl on the waterfront is a good place to hear dance music under the evening sky. Arrive early to find a spot with a clear view of the stage.
Rigoletto at the San Diego Civic Theatre
Fri, Oct 23, 7:30 PM · San Diego Civic Theatre · from $84
Verdi’s Rigoletto is one of the most performed operas in the repertoire, built around a jester’s tragic story and a famous quartet. The Civic Theatre is a historic room suited to big voices. It is a strong choice for a first night at the opera.
Rocket From The Crypt at House of Blues
Sat, Oct 24, 7:30 PM · House Of Blues – San Diego · from $75
Rocket From The Crypt are a long-running punk and rock band from San Diego, known for their horn-driven energy and sharp stage presence. House of Blues offers a compact room where the band’s sound hits hard. A local-leaning pick for a Saturday night.
beabadoobee at Viejas Arena
Sat, Oct 24, 8:00 PM · Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl · from $60
beabadoobee is a London-born indie and alt-pop singer-songwriter whose guitar-led songs gained a wide following. Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl brings her to a larger room than her club shows. Expect a set that leans on warm melodies and crunchy guitars.
City of the Sun at The Casbah
Sat, Oct 24, 8:30 PM · The Casbah – CA · from $22
City of the Sun is a rock act playing the Casbah, a well-loved small venue with a long history in San Diego’s music scene. Shows here are close and loud, with the band close enough to see every detail. It’s a good pick if you want a night out in a club setting.
Frog at The Casbah
Sun, Oct 25, 8:00 PM · The Casbah – CA · from $38
Frog play alternative rock at the same Casbah room, closing the weekend on a more intimate note. Small venues like this reward early arrival and a willingness to stand close to the stage. Check the doors time before you go.
YG at Viejas Arena
Sun, Oct 25, 8:00 PM · Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl · from $76
YG is a Compton rapper known for his West Coast hip-hop style and collaborations with a wide range of artists. Viejas Arena gives his bass-heavy sound plenty of room. The Sunday show is a good hip-hop anchor for the weekend.
Daley at House of Blues
Sun, Oct 25, 7:00 PM · Voodoo Room at House of Blues – San Diego · from $26
Daley is an R&B and soul singer whose smooth vocals and warm production have drawn a steady following. The Voodoo Room offers a close setting for a soulful evening. A relaxed pick for Sunday.
Check dates and door times before you go, and book early for the Gorillaz and Madeon shows, which are likely to sell out.
